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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Austrian Vintage Barometer in Heart Shape by Wippel & co
Located in Vienna, AT
rare austrian vintage barometer in heart shape by Wippel & co, rosewood, good original condition
Category

1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

Domestic Medicine Chest by Thompson & Capper
By Thompson & Capper
Located in New Orleans, LA
An invaluable addition to the 19th century home, this domestic medicine chest contained nearly everything needed to nurse a member of the house...
Category

19th Century English Other Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Anatomical model for class, depicting the kidneys, Spain 1890.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomic model for schools, for educational use, depicting the kidneys, made out of painted papier maché and mounted over a black painted fruitwood base. Spain circa 1890.
Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Fruitwood

Trussel of Brighton Clock and Barometer
Located in New York, NY
Handpicked by buyers Ann-Morris, Inc.
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Solid Brass Ships Nautical Miles Gauge
Located in Norwell, MA
Made in England by Thomas Walker and Son LTD Birmingham. Triple dial, anchor logo, nautical miles, and per mile and hundred miles gauges. Great piece of n...
Category

1970s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Scale with weights. Iron. Widow of José Menaya, Valencia (Spain), 19th c.
Located in Madrid, ES
Scale with weights. Iron. Widow of José Menaya, Valencia (Spain), around the second half of the 19th century. Iron scale made up of a swinging arm with a structure at each end from...
Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Neoclassical Revival Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Other, Iron

Vintage American Magnifying Glass, circa 20th Century
Located in Napa, CA
Free-standing vintage magnifying glass. American, circa 20th century. Curving articulated arm on pebbled black base.
Category

20th Century Scientific Instruments

Binoculars and Elegant Old French Theatre Set for Ladies
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/431 - Pretty old French theatre set: Binoculars, fan and mirror. Delicious and useful also for Your summer nights or for a gift. That's my cost !!
Category

Late 19th Century Argentine Belle Époque Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Leather

A precision brass scale, France 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
Precision scale made out on brass. France circa 1880.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

A GERMAN ANATOMICAL MODEL OF a PREGNANT WOMAN STEPHEN ZICK
Located in Madrid, ES
A GERMAN ANATOMICAL MODEL OF A PREGNANT WOMAN STEPHEN ZICK The woman with articulated arms, removable torso revealing internal organs, lying on a couch with cushion incised and modelled with simulated lace.On a later wood box. Stephen Zick was one of a dynasty of carvers active from the late 16th to the 18th century in Nuremberg, . Such models, as well as carved skulls, were conceived as teaching tools and were inspired by the drawings of Andrea Vesalius...
Category

Early 18th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Anatomical model of a chiken, Germany 1930.
Located in Milan, IT
A life-size anatomical model of a chicken, with separable anatomical parts, for educational use. Made of painted plaster, wooden and metal base. Somso, Germany circa 1930.
Category

Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

19th Century Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock and Barometer by Dasson
Located in London, GB
This fine set comprises a cartel clock and barometer, each of which are crafted entirely in gilt bronze. The clock and barometer cases are identical, and take the form of a lyre. The...
Category

19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze

19th Century French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This distinguished 19th Century French Metal Scale is an emblem of the rich historical past, resonating with the tales of traditional marketplaces where it once played a pivotal role...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Edwardian Mahogany Cased Barograph by Negretti & Zambra, London
Located in Norwich, GB
Negretti & Zambra Fine Edwardian mahogany cased barograph with beveled glass panels and central chart drawer. Seven vacuum chambe...
Category

1910s English Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

17th Century Spanish Talavera Pharmacy Jar in Blue Glazed Ceramic
Located in Marbella, ES
17th century Spanish Talavera pharmacy jar in blue glazed ceramic.
Category

17th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Ceramic

French Louis XVI Carved Giltwood Mercury Barometer
Located in Norwich, GB
Louis XVI carved giltwood and painted mercury wheel barometer. Eight inch circular painted wood register dial with central rosette within the scale calibrated from 27-28-29 and ...
Category

1780s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Giltwood

Early 20th Century French Carved Black Forest Hunting Barometer and Thermometer
Located in Birmingham, AL
A stunning early 20th century French black forest barometer with thermometer, circa 1900. Found in a hunting lodge in Lyon, this antique weather station...
Category

Early 1900s French Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

A pharmacy mushroom model: Amanita Virosa, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Amanita Virosa mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

A pharmacy mushroom model: Sarcoshypha Austriaca, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Sarcoscypha Austriaca mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

Art Deco Nudy Lady Thermometer
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Celluloid nude lady Art Deco thermometer.
Category

20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

A pharmacy mushroom model: Rhodocollybia Butyracea, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Rhodocollybia Butyracea mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

1800s Cast Iron Farm Well Hand Pump with Handle Piston
Located in New York, NY
1800s farmhouse and Industrial style cast iron hand pump. Unknown working condition but great look. Sold as is. Please note, this item is located in our Scranton, PA location.
Category

19th Century American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Spanish MCM Instituto L. Torres Quevedo Educational Galvanometer
Located in Mexico City, MX
A 1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern educational D'Arsonval galvanometer manufactured by the Leonardo Torres Quevedo Institute in Madrid. Model MA 54-04. The wood and glass structure s...
Category

1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Magnets

19th Century Antique Bow Front Barometer by J. Somalvico & Co of London
Located in Devon, GB
A good William IV period rosewood and mother-of-pearl bow fronted stick barometer with its original bowed glass thermometer by this fine London make...
Category

19th Century English William IV Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Rosewood

Anatomical model for class of the lungs and heart, Germany 1920.
Located in Milan, IT
Rare anatomical model for class, depicting human lungs and heart, made out of painted plaster, mounted on a black fruit wooden base. By Louis M. Meusel, Germany circa 1920.
Category

Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Fruitwood

Barigo Germany barometer fine design in years '70
Located in Biella, IT
Barigo Germany rare barometer design in years '70 with old label of the price in disappeared italian coin "lire" very elegant and fine design for this interesting object
Category

1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Monumental Floor Standing Brass Butcher Scale
Located in Cheshire, GB
A large set of floor standing brass balance scales and graduated weights with bullhead terminal above the circular column, to the platform base with fourteen graduated compartments f...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

A pharmacy mushroom model: Cortinarius Violaceus, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Cortinarius Violaceus mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

Oak Barograph by C P Goerz
Located in Cheshire, GB
Art Deco barograph by C P Goerz. The oak and plated metal Barograph encase with rounded ends. The mechanical eight-day movement is housed in the drum, fi...
Category

Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

Barograph by R Fuess
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany framed barograph by R Fuess Berlin. The mechanical eight-day movement is housed in the drum, fitted with a seven-day chart which covers one full rotation of the drum. The in...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

Emile Deyrolle 19th Century Plaster, Wire and Wood Didactic Germination Models
Located in Buffalo, NY
Les Fils D'Emile Deyrolle, Paris. Extremely rare set of five 19th century French painted plaster, wire and wood Didactic models depicting progression, Anatomie Vegetalf, beautifully ...
Category

19th Century French Folk Art Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wire

19th Century Artist Pigment Painting Tray, Colourmans Sales Sampler
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A collection of thirty red and white cylindrical card boxes of pigment with decorative descriptive labels. Each container sits within its own section of a well made pine tray. Origin...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Natural Fiber, Pine

Louis XV Period Gilded Barometer with Thermometer
Located in Pembroke, MA
An elegant French gilded wood barometer with thermometer (period Louis XV, Circa 1760). Barometer has been fitted with a new mercury tube, ...
Category

18th Century and Earlier French Louis XV Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Giltwood, Glass

1900s French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This early 1900s French Metal Scale is an evocative piece of history that marries function with rustic charm. Featuring a robust metal frame with an aged, weathered patina, the scale...
Category

Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Anatomical model: an external and inner ear, Germany early 20th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for class, depicting an external and inner ear, made out of painted papier plaster, mounted on a black painted plaster rectangular base. Sold from Paravia, Italy, to...
Category

Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

Late 19th Century Physics Teaching Wheel
Located in Santa Monica, CA
These educational wheels, with copper and black painted surfaces, were used by Physics teachers in the late 19th century. Please note we have two of these wheels available. One i...
Category

19th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Copper, Brass

Set of 2 Didactic Dr. Auzoux Molding, Internal Organs + Starfish Transversal Cut
Located in Leuven , BE
Moldings labeled "Auzoux 9 rue de l'Ecole de Médecine Paris 6e". Dimensions: Internal organs 54 x 36 Starfish 42 x 43.5.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

Small herbalist pharmacy wooden jars, Italy 1870.
Located in Milan, IT
Set of two small wooden herbalist's apothecary vases (Althaea flowers, Ginko leaves) in the purest neoclassical style. The surface is finished with cream-white pastiglia with saffron...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Art Deco Oak Cased Barograph, Winter & Sin, Newcastle
Located in Norwich, GB
Art Deco Barograph, Winter & Sons, Newcastle Art Deco barograph housed in an oak bevelled glass display case standing on a raised, moulded plinth with pad feet. Six vacuum chambers ...
Category

1920s English Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

A bleeding set signed Blackwell, England 1850.
Located in Milan, IT
Travelling mahogany case set for bleeding, brass apparatuses for bleeding and glass cups. Signed Blackwell London, 1850 ca.
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Anatomical Eye Model by New York Scientific Supply Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Anatomical, composition, organ model of the eye by New York Scientific Co., Inc disassembles into six pieces deconstructing the eye and its nerves. Th...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Composition

Terrestrial globe apres Mr. Rizzi Zannoni, Paris 1762.
Located in Milan, IT
Designed to be hanged to the ceiling, terrestrial globe, made out of paper machè and wood, brass hook. It is reported in the cartouche of the globe: globe terrestre d’après Mr. Rizz...
Category

Mid-18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Russian Fabergé Style Silver Gilt Table Thermometer
By Karl Fabergé
Located in London, GB
The very fine table thermometer mounted in a silver-gilt frame and set with diamonds and rubies, featuring an oval shaped photograph surrounded by a ...
Category

20th Century Russian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Diamond, Silver, Enamel

Almirez De Bronce Del S XIX Con Asas Y Decoraciones E Inscripción De Letras
Located in Marbella, ES
Almirez de bronce del S XIX con asas y decoraciones e inscripción de letras El palo mide 17cm.
Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Glass & brass luminous world map by Paul Oestergaard for Colombus Verlag - 1950s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Glass & brass luminous world map by Paul Oestergaard for Colombus Verlag - 1950s World map - Mid-Century - Deco Object Measures : Ø 37cm H: 41cm Material : Brass - Glass Wear consis...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Hand Held Magnifying Glass with a Turned Wooden Handle
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Hand Held Magnifying Glass with a Turned Wooden Handle A lovely piece for your study in good vintage condition with a chunky turned handle Th Glass is 10” long, the lens is 4” in di...
Category

1960s Adam Style Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Ship's Binnacle by Baker Lyman of New Orleans, Louisiana
Located in Norwell, MA
Ship's binnacle with maker's plate from Baker Lyman Company of New Orleans, Louisiana. Wonderfully restored binnacle with gimballed compass and interior lighting. Overall dimensio...
Category

1930s American Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

17th Century Tripod Apothecary Skillet Dated 1698 from The Ward Rvmens Family
Located in Brussels, Brussels
17th century tripod apothecary skillet dated 1698 by Ward Rymens. The skillet is in superb condition and has had a restoration on one of the feet. bronze with a very beautiful patina.
Category

17th Century British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

1930s Hand-carved Pharmacy Stone Mortar
Located in Marbella, ES
1930s Hand-carved Pharmacy Stone Mortar
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Scientific Instruments

Materials

Stone

French 18th Century Louis XVI Period Giltwood Barometer Thermometer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and extremely decorative French 18th century Louis XVI period giltwood barometer thermometer. The most decorative barometer thermometer retains its original glass pane enc...
Category

18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Giltwood

Anatomical Model: the Skeletal Part of a Foot, Germany, 1970’s
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model depicting the skeletal part of a foot, made by Somso, Sonenberg. Germany, circa 1970.
Category

1970s German Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Ernst Plank Steam Engine
Located in Madrid, ES
The Ernst Plank steam engine is a fascinating and remarkable piece, especially the Union model with dimensions of 43x14x14 cm. Manufactured by the Ernst Plank brand, this steam engin...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Copper

Vintage Anatomical Pull Down Chart 'Osteology, GH Michel Company
By G.H. Michel Company
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage Anatomical Pull Down Chart 'OSTEOLOGY ,GH Michel Company,Black background,amazing color contrast.Beautifully screened printed,linen backed.S...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Linen, Paper

Antique 20th Century French Solid Gold & Sapphire Retractable Pencil c.1900
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 20th Century possibly French 14ct gold retractible pencil. Designed to be attached to a key chain or as a pendant, this pencil features a blue cabochon sapphire decorative ti...
Category

Early 1900s French Other Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Gold

Brass Ashcroft Ships Revolution Counter
Located in Norwell, MA
Ships Revolution Counter by Ashcroft Mfg. Co New York. 8 inch face inscribed New York Ship building Co. Camden, N.J. USA. Nickel plated over brass with n...
Category

1920s American Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Tripod Apothecary Skillet Late 17th-Early 18th Century, England
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Apothecary tripod skillet from the end of the 17th century beginning of the 18th century From England. The skillet is in superb condition and has not undergone any restorations. Br...
Category

Early 18th Century British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
Elevate your decor with this striking 19th Century French Metal Scale, a piece that exudes the mystique and allure of its time. Crafted with an eye for balance and precision, the sca...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Decorative Alidade, Metal, 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
It has a cover to protect the lens made of the same gold metal in which the rest of the instrument is made. The lines, pure and clean, are the protagonists, and make it a great opti...
Category

20th Century Unknown Other Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Other

Vintage, New and Antique Scientific Instruments

Decorating with vintage, new and antique scientific instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world.

The Age of Discovery (or the Age of Exploration) refers to a period during the 15th to 18th centuries that saw Europeans taking to the high seas to explore, trade and conquer various regions of the world. What we know about geography, the advancement of sea vessels and the development of scientific instruments all broadened significantly during this time.

With every new finding about our world, scientists invented tools to measure and record. While many of these objects are now obsolete, they are essentially works of art and have a rich history. Scientific instruments of a bygone era represent how far science and technology have advanced.

If you’re interested in introducing antique scientific instruments and tools to your decor to add contrast or draw attention to otherwise unexplored corners of your living room or dining room, there are many options to consider as far as textures and colors go. Like any curious decorative object that draws attention to your home library or mantel, vintage scientific instruments will likely add spirit to any conversation that might take place over cocktails or dinner.

Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.

Mid-century modern scientific instruments also capture a period of rapid progress, representing groundbreaking discoveries that defined the 20th century. Wouldn’t antique anatomical models of the 1950s pair well with your eye-catching abstract paintings, George Nelson clock or Florence Knoll sofa?

Whether you’re looking for a way to showcase your passion for chemistry or aviation or are making room in your foyer for a breathtaking industrial-style electronic time tower manufactured by Patek Philippe, 1stDibs offers a collection of vintage, new and antique scientific instruments that includes topographic tools, laboratory equipment and more.

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